Walk where the gods did

Macedonia · Start: Prionia (from Litochoro)

Hike to Refuge Spilios Agapis (Refuge A) on day one, sleep, then summit via Louki couloir at sunrise. The final scramble is exposed — a helmet is wise.

• ▲Book the refuge weeks ahead in July–August
• ▲Start before 7am to beat afternoon storms
• ▲Taxi Litochoro → Prionia ~€30

Epirus · Start: Monodendri

Descend into a limestone canyon lined with plane trees, follow the dry riverbed to the Voidomatis springs, then climb to Vikos village. Marked O3 trail.

• ▲Arrange a taxi back to Monodendri (~€40)
• ▲Spring can have water crossings
• ▲Stay in Papingo for the best views

Crete · Start: Xyloskalo (Omalos plateau)

A long, knee-testing descent through Europe's longest gorge to the 'Iron Gates' (3 m wide) and the beach at Agia Roumeli, where the ferry takes you to Sfakia.

• ▲Entrance €10, open ~7am–4pm
• ▲Early KTEL bus from Chania at 6:15am
• ▲Buy the Agia Roumeli–Sfakia ferry ticket on arrival

Peloponnese · Start: Stemnitsa

Europe's first certified Leading Quality Trail, linking mountain villages and the Lousios gorge monasteries.

• ▲Do Stemnitsa → Dimitsana as a one-day taster
• ▲Village guesthouses make it easy to walk light

Ionian · Start: Kassiopi

Olive groves, abandoned Old Perithia village, and Mount Pantokrator views.

• ▲Avoid midsummer heat
• ▲Old Perithia tavernas are perfect lunch stops

Cyclades · Start: Chalki

Byzantine chapels, marble paths, and village kafeneia on Naxos' green interior.

• ▲Try kitron liqueur at the Chalki distillery